Southern California -- this just in

L.A. police target 'knock-knock' burglars on Westside, Valley

September 19, 2012 | 11:01
am

Los Angeles police searched seven locations Wednesday,
including a bank and several pawn shops,
searching for evidence in connection with so-called knock-knock burglars
who have been targeting affluent neighborhoods.

At least 10 people were detained Wednesday, and another 50 have already been arrested in connection with the burglaries. They are called "knock-knock" burglars because they typically knock on a person's door or business to see if anyone is inside before breaking in.

The burglars have contributed to
a sharp rise in the number of burglaries in the San Fernando Valley and
Westside, police said. Los Angeles police say there have been 300
more robberies in their West and Valley bureaus this year compared with 2011.

“The knock-knock burglars were
having a feast out there,” Cmdr. Jim Cansler of the LAPD said.

Police on Wednesday targeted a
bank, home and four pawn shops in downtown Los Angeles, where they believe the
burglars sold their stolen goods.